« Kalkman: Historical Yankee Fielding | Main | Gotham Baseball Live - Tonight 7 PM »

March 09, 2008

Yanks Scoping Out Damaso Marte?

Kevin from Queens asked recently, via e-mail:

What's the latest with the Yankees and southpaw Damaso Marte? I read rumors about a potential trade with the Pirates during Winter Meetings but have not heard much since. He seems like an ideal arm to add to the bullpen and would make Joba's transition from reliever to starter much smoother. Any chance this could still happen or am I just dreaming? What do you think the Pirates would demand in return?

According to Nick Cafardo this morning, "The Yankees are looking far and wide for a lefthanded reliever. According to scouts, they have their eyes on Pittsburgh's Damaso Marte and Colorado's Brian Fuentes."

So, it appears that Marte is still on the Yankees radar - as he was last December and the December before that.

My guess is that the Yankees want to see Marte throw some more this spring while also figuring out if Billy Traber has some value, before making a move on the Pirates' lefty.

And, the cost? Marte is signed for this season and the Pirates have an option on him for 2009 as well. So, this would not be a situation where the Pirates have to trade him or risk losing him for nothing at the end of the season. That said, I don't think it would take a "blue chip" pitching prospect to get him - like Alan Horne. But, it would not shock me to see the Pirates ask for someone like Dan McCutchen, Jeffrey Marquez, or George Kontos in combination with a position propsect like Damon Sublett, Josue Calzado or Jose Pirela.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at March 9, 2008 11:01 AM

Comments

Let them have Calzado. They'll probably turn him into a pitcher regardless. His strong arm is his best tool

Posted by: gphunt [TypeKey Profile Page] at March 9, 2008 12:06 PM

Cashman has been interested with Fuentes for a long time. It seems like we're always reading about Cashman looking into getting him. I don't agree with your general grade of Cashman, but he does seem to not see the forest through the trees sometimes (Pavano, Igawa). I don't think you can lump Fuentes in with Pavano and Igawa from a scouting position (Fuentes is a pretty proven guy.. he'll give you 65-70 IP, < 4.00 ERA in the AL East) but it's always nice to know that the GM is being objective.

Marte would be nice as well.

Posted by: j [TypeKey Profile Page] at March 9, 2008 12:26 PM

looking at their career stats, Marte isnt that much better against lefties than Traber (.571 vs. .613 OPS against). However, there's a BIG difference vs. righties, .739 vs. .894 OPS.

Posted by: Travis G. [TypeKey Profile Page] at March 9, 2008 03:39 PM